Multiple brand ice beverage dispenser

ABSTRACT

A beverage dispenser for dispensing beverages includes a touch panel assembly, removable fittings in a carbonator, a carbonator probe, and a carbonator pump assembly removable from a front of the beverage dispenser. The touch panel assembly includes a light source for backlighting a user interface and providing the dispenser with a visual presence. Electrode traces in the touch panel assembly detect interruptions in electrode fields and are accepted as user inputs for dispensing a beverage. A controller conducts the lighting, dispensing, and reconfiguring operations for the flavor selection areas on the user interface. The touch panel assembly further includes provisions for increasing a user interface area to increase visibility of a particular flavor, as well as bonus flavors on a beverage dispenser. The removable fittings each include an orifice for entry of water to be carbonated into the carbonator. The carbonator probe is a single wire probe with timed refill.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to beverage dispensers and, moreparticularly, but not by way of limitation, to configuring of beveragedispenser flavors.

2. Description of the Related Art

In the industry of beverage dispensing, dispensers are typicallyregarded as vehicles for the larger beverage firms to use in thepromotion of sales. Beverage dispensers on the market are typicallyallocated based on volume. This process lends itself to locking in on abeverage firm and its product base. All major beverage firms have aproduct base which may include several high volume products, or majorbrands and several lower volume products, or minor brands. Thesedifferent major and minor brands usually have the same size labelsbecause dispensers currently produced by the manufacturers have aproduct valve scheme. In this product valve scheme, the dispenser widthis usually evenly split between the number of valves and theirassociated labels. As such, major brands usually have the same amount oflabel space as the minor brands, unless flavors are duplicated on thedispenser. This process does not really increase consumer visibility forthe major brands. This is usually accomplished through a marquis orother signage, which usually highlights one flavor.

Furthermore, most dispensers are mechanically driven, and typically,cannot change the number of brands without making hardware changes.Therefore, it would be advantageous to have a dispenser that would beeasily configurable, thereby allowing the customers to independentlyreact to major vs. minor brand marketing and visibility.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, a beverage dispenser fordispensing beverage drinks includes a touch panel assembly, removablefittings in a carbonator, and a carbonator pump assembly that isremovable from a front of the dispenser. The touch panel assemblyincludes a light source for backlighting a user interface and providingthe dispenser with a visual presence. The touch panel assembly furtherincludes a controller, and an electrode board having electrode tracesthat generate electrode fields. Interruptions in the electrode fieldsare discernable by the controller, and interpreted as a user input fordispensing of a beverage drink.

Interpretation of the interruptions in the electrode fields isconfigurable, such that two adjacent electrodes may be interpreted as asingle flavor choice. In this arrangement, major brands may receive anincreased frontal display and activation area on the touch panelassembly. Configuring of the touch panel assemblies may be accomplishedmanually or automatically through the use of the controller.

The removable fittings in the carbonator each include an orifice throughwhich water to be carbonated must pass to enter the carbonator tank. Theability to remove the fittings allows for cleaning operations andcarbonator tuning operations to be conducted on-site. The inventionfurther includes a method for removing the fittings for replacement orservice.

The carbonator pump assembly is integral to the dispenser. Thecarbonator pump assembly is located in a front portion of the beveragedispenser, and is removable for service from the front of the beveragedispenser. A method for removing the carbonator pump assembly is alsodisclosed.

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide abeverage dispenser with a backlit touch panel assembly to provide thedispenser with a visual presence.

It is further an object of the present invention to provide a beveragedispenser with a touch panel assembly having configurable electrodetraces and a controller to interpret an interruption in an electrodefield generated by the electrode traces as a user input.

It is yet further an object of the present invention to provide acarbonator with removable fittings, the fittings each including anorifice through which water to be carbonated must pass.

It is still yet further an object of the present invention to provide abeverage dispenser with an integral carbonator pump assembly, accessiblefrom a front portion of the beverage dispenser.

Still other objects, features, and advantages of the present inventionwill become evident to those of ordinary skill in the art in light ofthe following.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 provides an isometric view of a dispenser.

FIG. 1 a provides a cross section of a dispenser.

FIG. 1 b provides a front view of a dispenser.

FIG. 2 provides an isometric view of a cold plate assembly.

FIG. 2 a provides an isometric view of a carbonated water circuit.

FIG. 2 b provides an isometric view of the rear side of a cold plateassembly according to the preferred embodiment.

FIG. 2 c provides an exploded view of an orifice housing according tothe preferred embodiment.

FIG. 2 d is a cross section view of the cold plate assembly.

FIG. 2 e is a detail view of the orifice housing.

FIG. 2 f is a method flowchart for removing the carbonator orifices.

FIG. 2 g is a detail view of removable fittings according to a secondembodiment.

FIG. 3 provides a cross section of a monoprobe assembly according to thepreferred embodiment.

FIG. 3 a provides a detail view of the monoprobe cross section view.

FIG. 3 b provides a detail view of a probe tip.

FIG. 3 c is a method flowchart of the operation of the monoprobe in thepreferred embodiment.

FIG. 4 provides an isometric view of a carbonator pump assemblyaccording to the preferred embodiment.

FIG. 4 a is a method flowchart for the removal of the carbonator pumpassembly according to the preferred embodiment.

FIG. 5 provides an exploded view of the touch panel and relatedconnections.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the touch panel assembly.

FIG. 6 a provides an unlit touchpad embodiment.

FIG. 6 b provides an overview of the different bezel configurations.

FIG. 7 illustrates the relationship of the switch module to thesolenoids and power supply.

FIG. 8 provides an overview of touch pad locations.

FIG. 8 a illustrates the relationship between electrodes and sensingareas.

FIG. 8 b shows a layout of the user interface areas on a touch panelassembly.

FIG. 8 c illustrates the flavor configurations that are supported by thepreferred embodiment.

FIG. 9 shows other possible touch pad configurations.

FIG. 9 a provides a method flowchart for dispensing a drink.

FIG. 10 illustrates the front of a touch pad assembly.

FIG. 10 a provides a method flowchart for passive configuration of touchpad assemblies using a menu structure.

FIG. 10 b 1 and 10 b 2 provide a method flowchart for passiveconfiguration of touch pact assemblies using a manual selection.

FIG. 10 c provides a method flowchart for active configuration ofsensing valves.

FIG. 11 illustrates a multi-panel/single controller control scheme.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosedherein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodimentsare merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in variousforms. It is further to be understood that the figures are notnecessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated to showdetails of particular components or steps.

The invention at hand is a dispenser design that addresses serviceissues on dispensers including carbonator pump servicing and theconfiguring of major vs. minor brand soft drinks and flavorings. The newdesign provides access to the carbonator motor and pump assembly fromthe front of the dispenser and an easily configurable conversion frommajor to minor brands as well as minor to major brands and flavorings.The system also provides for backlighting of the user interface panelsthrough the use of LEDs. The interface panels and valve hardwarecomplement each other to provide a modular panel setup, therebyproviding further flexibility in the setup of the dispenser.

As shown in FIG. 1, a dispenser 100 is a processor controlled beveragedispenser whereby a customer is allowed to approach the machine and makea selection from an interface panel. In this preferred embodiment, theuser may dispense ice, water, beverages, flavorings and the like. Thedispenser 100 includes a housing 150, a plurality of touch panelassemblies 200, a merchandiser 151, a splash plate 152 and a wrapper164. The touch panel assemblies 200 are located on a front 105 of thedispenser 100 for access by consumers. The merchandiser 151 is locatedabove the touch panel assemblies 200 for visual recognition. The splashplate 152 further closes out the front 105 of the dispenser 100. Theremaining sides are closed out through the use of the wrapper 164. A lid106 closes out the top portion of the dispenser 100.

The housing 150 includes a cold plate assembly 153, a carbonator pumpassembly 154, an ice reservoir liner 155, an ice paddlewheel 156, apaddlewheel shroud 157 and foam 158. The ice reservoir liner 155, havingan interior cavity 165, rests on the cold plate assembly 153. Thereservoir liner 155 and the cold plate assembly 153 are housed in theinterior of the dispenser housing 150, therein creating a cavity betweenthe assembly and the housing 150. The cavity is filled with foam 158 forinsulating purposes. The interior cavity 165 of the reservoir liner 155is used to store ice for dispensing. As shown in FIGS. 1 a-1 b, the icepaddlewheel 156 is mounted in the interior cavity 165 and is connectableto a motor 106 that rotates the paddlewheel 156. A lower portion of theice paddlewheel 156 is surrounded by a shroud 157, therein forcing icetoward the paddlewheel 156 for dispensing. The paddlewheel 156 rotatesto move ice to a dispensing port 108 that passes through the liner 155and the dispenser housing 150. This operation is activated by depressingan ice dispensing lever 174 located on the front 105 of the dispenser100.

The cold plate assembly 153 includes a plurality of concentrate tubes160, an uncarbonated water circuit 162 and a carbonated water circuit163, all of which are disposed into the cold plate 159 for chillingproduct before dispensing. The cold plate assembly 153 further includesa cast-in-place carbonator tank 161 as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.6,574,981, entitled Beverage Dispensing with Cold Carbonation, filed onSep. 24, 2001, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated byreference. The concentrate tubes 160, having an inlet 180 and an outlet181, are connectable to concentrate sources through a barb fitting 182.The barb fitting 182 is accessible from the front 105 of the dispenser100 for servicing and connection. The concentrate tubes 160 extendupward and bend to enter a front face 175 of the cold plate 159. Theconcentrate tubes 160 then make multiple passes in the interior of thecold plate 159 to provide adequate cooling length for the expectedflowrates. The concentrate tubes 160 then exit the cold plate 159 andturn upward along the vertical plane until they reach the touch panelassemblies 200 where they extend horizontally. The concentrate tubeoutlet 181 then connects to a fluid passage 191 of a backblock 176. Thebackblock 176 contains a fluid passage 191 to connect the concentratetube 160 to a dispensing valve 177, for mixing with water or the like.

The uncarbonated water circuit 162 is used to deliver water from a watersource to the two innermost dispensing valves 178 for dispensing. Theuncarbonated water circuit 162, in this preferred embodiment, includes aplain water tube 179 having a plain water tube inlet 183 and a plainwater tube outlet 184. Inside of the cold plate 159, the uncarbonatedwater circuit 162 includes manifolds and serpentine coils, two each inthis preferred embodiment, leading to two riser tubes 186. The risertubes 186 exit the cold plate 159 and attach to backblocks 176 which, inturn, attach to the plain water dispensing valves 178. The plain waterinlet 183 includes a barb fitting 190 and is connectable to a watersource. The barb fitting 190 is located near the front 105 of thedispenser 100 for servicing and connection.

The carbonated water circuit 163 begins outside of the cold plate 159,near the front 105 of the dispenser 100. The carbonated water circuit163 includes an inlet tube 173, a carbonator pump assembly 154,carbonator pump outlet tube 194, a check valve 195, an extension tube196 and a cold plate entry tube 197. The inlet tube 173 contains aninlet 198 and an outlet 199. The inlet 198 contains a barb fitting 172for connection to a water source. The barb fitting 172 is located nearthe front 105 of the dispenser 100 for servicing and connection. Theoutlet 199 of the inlet tube 173 connects to the carbonator pumpassembly 154.

The carbonator pump assembly 154 includes a pump 170 connectable to amotor 171, and a mounting bracket 167. The pump 170 includes an inletport 168 and an outlet port 169. The outlet 199 of inlet tube 173connects to the pump inlet port 168. The outlet port 169 of the pump 170is connectable to a first end 251 of the pump outlet tube 194. A secondend 252 of the pump outlet tube 194 connects to an inlet port 107 of thecheck valve 195. An outlet port 253 of the check valve 195 isconnectable to an entrance port 254 of the extension tube 196. An exitport 255 of the extension tube 196 then connects to the cold plateassembly 153 through the cold plate entry tube 197. The cold plate entrytube 197 extends downward and bends to enter the front face 175 of thecold plate 159.

Inside of the cold plate 159, the cold plate entry tube 197 is thensplit into multiple serpentine circuits 109, four in this preferredembodiment, that make several passes within the cold plate 159 to ensureadequate length is available for the heat transfer rates and theexpected flowrates. The serpentine circuits 109 are then manifolded to arear header pipe 111. The real header pipe 111 then connects to a pairof orifice supply pipes 112, each of which connects to an orificehousing 258 located on the back side of the carbonator tank 161 and thecold plate 159.

In this preferred embodiment, the orifice housing 258, having a firstside 259 and a second side 286, is permanently mounted to the carbonatortank 161, such that the second side 286 mates with a water stream entryport 287 of the carbonator tank 161. The orifice housing 258 contains afirst aperture 260 passing from the first side 259 through to the secondside 286. The first aperture 260 aligns with the entry port 287 of thecarbonator tank 161. The first aperture 260 has two different diameters,a plug diameter 261 and an orifice diameter 262, each of which isthreaded. The orifice housing 258 has a second aperture 263 to acceptthe orifice supply pipe 112. The second aperture 263 passes from anouter surface 288 through to the first aperture 260.

A removable fitting 264, having an orifice 265, a major diameter 267 anda minor diameter 266, fits inside of the first aperture 260 of theorifice housing 258, wherein the external threads of the minor diameter266 engage the internal threads of the orifice diameter 262 to securethe removable fitting 264 inside of the orifice housing 258. The orifice265 therein aligns with the entry port 287 and the first aperture 260 ofthe orifice housing 258. A slot 268 is located on the top surface of theremovable fitting 264 for installation and removal with a screwdriver. Aplug 269, having a threaded portion 271 and a flange 272, is used toseal off the carbonated water circuit 163 by mating the external threadsof the threaded portion 271 to the internal threads of the plug diameter261 of the first aperture 260 of the orifice housing 258. The fluid pathis sealed through the use of an o-ring 270 and an o-ring groove 273 inthe flange 272 of the plug 269.

It should be clear to one skilled in the art that variations of thisembodiment may exist including an embodiment wherein the fitting 264 isremovably attached to the entry port 287 of the carbonator tank 161. Inthe simplest embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2 g, a carbonator tank 161includes an entry port 287 having internal threads, a fitting 264 havinga first end 113 and a second end 114, and an orifice supply pipe 112.The first end 113 of the fitting includes external threads suitable formating with the internal threads of the entry port 287. The second end114 of the fitting 264 includes a protrusion 115 for mating with theorifice supply pipe 112. Sealing may be accomplished through the use ofan o-ring 116 or a flare connection. Various methods of mechanicalrestraint known to those skilled in the art may be employed to securethe orifice supply pipe 112 to the fitting 264, such as flare nuts, orthe like. This arrangement allows water to be carbonated to flow fromthe orifice supply pipe 112, and through the orifice 265 of the fitting264 to enter the carbonator tank 161.

In this preferred embodiment, the fittings 264 are removable andreplaceable. Removal of the fittings 264 may be necessary in acarbonator tank 161 tuning situation, such as a high altitudeenvironment, abnormally high or low ambient water temperature orobstruction of the orifice 265. Changing of the orifice 265 size canhave a dramatic effect on in-line carbonation and ultimately, in-cupcarbonation. Removable fittings 264 are important in an integrally castin place carbonator tank 161, as the failure of the carbonator tank 161in an integral unit could result in catastrophic failure of thedispenser 100.

Removal of the fittings 264 for adjustment or servicing is completedfrom the rear of the dispenser 100. As shown in FIG. 2 f, the removalprocedure commences with depressurizing the carbon-dioxide circuit, step26. Next, step 27, the water circuits are depressurized. The wrapper 164must be removed from the dispenser 100 to access the plug 269 as shownin step 28. The removal procedure continues with removal of the threadedplug 269 from the orifice housing 258 with the use of either a wrench orstandard tool as shown in step 29. Once the plug 269 is removed, thefitting 264 may be removed from the orifice housing 258 by placing ascrewdriver in the slot 268 and turning the orifice housingcounter-clockwise, step 30. At this point, the fitting 264 may be eithersubstituted or cleaned, step 31. Upon substitution or cleaning, thefitting to be used is installed as shown in step 32. Next, step 33, theplug 269 is installed. Installation of the plug 269 should include theuse of teflon tape or thread sealant to ensure no leaks are present inthe pressurized circuit. The service agent may now reinstall the wrapper164, step 34. After installation of the wrapper 164, the water circuitsmay be pressurized, step 35. The final step, step 36, includespressurizing the carbon dioxide gas circuit.

From the orifice housing 258, water to be carbonated passes through theremovable fitting 264 into the carbonator tank 161. The carbonator tank161 is disposed in the cold plate 159. The carbonator tank 161 includesa top pipe 274, a bottom pipe 275 and two side pipes 276, all of whichare hollow. The ends of the pipes 274, 275 and 276 are connectedtogether to form a hollow rectangular structure. The carbonated watercircuit 163 further includes a pair of carbonated water outlets 277, apost-chill circuit having a serpentine coil 285, a post-chill manifold278, and a carbonated water riser tube 279 for each dispensing valve177. After carbonation, the carbonated water exits the carbonator tank161 through the two carbonated water outlets 277 and enters thepost-chill manifold 278. From the post-chill manifold 278, thecarbonated water enters the carbonated water riser tubes 279. The risertubes 279 extend upward, connecting to the backblocks 176. Thebackblocks 176 connect to the dispensing valves 177, therein completingthe carbonated water circuit 163.

The carbonator tank 161 further includes a gas inlet pipe 280, a guidetube 363, a probe fitting 281 and a probe assembly 282. A first end 283of the gas inlet pipe 280 is connectable to a carbon-dioxide supply. Asecond end 284 of the gas inlet pipe 280 is connectable to the top pipe274 of the carbonator tank 161 to feed carbon-dioxide gas to the toppipe 274 of the carbonator tank 161. The gas side of the carbonatorsystem is pressurized to approximately seventy to eighty pounds persquare inch. The guide tube 363 is rigidly mounted within the carbonatortank 161, and is coaxial with the probe fitting 281, therein providingthe probe assembly 282 with a location to enter the interior of thecarbonator tank 161 and take resistance measurements in the carbonatortank 161. The guide tube 363 is open on both ends to allow water andcarbon dioxide to flow in either direction. The guide tube 363 furtherincludes a plurality of drain/fill ports 370 to minimize uneven drainingbetween the drain tube 363 and the carbonator tank 161. The probefitting 281, having a first inner diameter 341 and a second innerdiameter 342, is designed to accept the probe assembly 282.

In the preferred embodiment, the resistance measurements taken by theprobe assembly 282 are used by a microcontroller to discern between thepresence of liquid or gas at the sample point. The probe assembly 282includes a fitting end 294 and a probe tip end 295. The fitting end 294includes a probe body 296, a pair of o-rings 297, an insulator 343, areference wire 344, a probe wire 345 and a probe 353. The probe body 296is of a conductive material. In this preferred embodiment, the probebody 296 is made of stainless steel. The probe body 296, having a shapecomplementary to the probe fitting 281, also includes a pair of o-ringgrooves 347 on an outer body diameter 348 for receiving the pair ofo-rings 297. The probe body 296 further includes a pocket 349 forengaging the reference wire 344, wherein the reference wire 344 is indirect contact with a perimeter 350 of the pocket 349. The probe body296 further includes a full depth diameter 351 that engages a chamfer352 between the first inner diameter 341 and the second inner diameter342 of the probe fitting 28 1. The probe 353 extends through the probebody 296 axially in the installed position. The insulator 343 isdisposed around the probe 353 in the probe body 296, such that the probe353 is electrically isolated from the probe body 296. The probe 353 isfurther covered by an insulation 354, extending to the probe tip end295, however, a probe tip 355 is exposed. The probe tip end 295 includesthe probe tip 355, a second insulator 356 and the insulation 354. Thesecond insulator 356 centers the probe tip 355 in the guide tube 363.

On assembly, the probe tip end 295 of the probe assembly 282 is insertedinto the guide tube 363 of the probe fitting 281. The outer bodydiameter 348 of the probe body 296, then slides into the first innerdiameter 341 of the probe fitting 281, and then slides into the secondinner diameter 342 of the probe fitting 281 until the full depthdiameter 351 engages the chamfer 352 between the first inner diameter341 and the second inner diameter 342 of the probe fitting 281. Thefirst inner diameter 341 further includes an internal thread 357 forengaging a probe retaining nut 298 having an external thread 358.

Once the dispenser 100 is assembled, the cold plate assembly 153 and thecarbonator tank 161 are at a ten degree angle from the horizontal. Inthis position, the water level at the probe tip 355 represents a lowlevel fill line 359. A high level fill line 360 is derived by ruiningthe carbonator pump 170 for a predetermined amount of time, in thispreferred embodiment, five point four seconds, after the water levelreaches the probe tip 355. The amount of carbonated water below the lowlevel fill line 359 is known as a reserve volume 361. The high levelfill line 360 dictates a maximum fill. The volume between the high levelfill line 360 and the low level fill line 359 is known as a strokevolume 365. The volume above the high level fill line 360 is known as ahead volume 362. The head volume 362 is filled with carbon-dioxide gas.

FIG. 3 c provides the operations of the probe under normal conditions.As shown in step 445, the microcontroller samples the resistancemeasurements taken between the ground wire 344 and the probe tip 355 ata predetermined interval, in this preferred embodiment, every tenmilliseconds. The microcontroller has a registry of resistance valuesassociated with a gas reading (carbon dioxide) and a liquid (carbonatedwater) reading. Once a gas reading is obtained, the microcontrollerproceeds to step 446, where the next sample is analyzed to determine ifit also is a gas reading. If the sample is also a gas reading, themicrocontroller proceeds to step 447, where a counter is increased byone. The microcontroller proceeds to step 448, where the count isanalyzed to determine if three consecutive gas samples have beenobtained. If the three samples are gas readings, then themicrocontroller proceeds to step 449, wherein the microcontrollerprovides power to a relay that activates the carbonator pump motor 171for five point four seconds. The microcontroller then clears the count,step 450, and returns to step 445 where it continues to monitor theresistive measurement samples. If there are not a gas reading in step446, then the microcontroller proceeds to step 450 for clearing thecount, and then on to step 445, where it continues to monitor theresistive measurement samples. Use of this process minimizes the chanceof erratic readings due to splashing or entrapped bubbles.

In summary, the carbonated water circuit 163 begins as uncarbonatedwater coming from a water source. Water enters into the inlet tube 173,moves into the inlet port 168 of the carbonator pump 170 where it ispressurized to approximately one hundred and twenty pounds per squareinch. The water then moves out of the outlet port 169 of the carbonatorpump 170, into the pump outlet tube 194 and into the inlet of the checkvalve 195. Once past the check valve 195, the water cannot travelbackwards to contaminate a water supply. The water then exits the checkvalve outlet port 253, goes through the extension tube 196 and entersthe cold plate entry tube 197 located in the cold plate assembly 153.Once inside of the cold plate 159, the water is split into fourserpentine circuits 109, brought back to two tubes 110 and into the realheader pipe 111. Once in the rear header pipe 111, the water is forcedinto the orifice supply pipes 112 and into the orifice housing 258 whereit is forced through the removable fittings 264 and into the part of thecarbonator tank 161 pressurized with carbon-dioxide. The water is thencarbonated, and settles to the bottom of the carbonator tank 161. Upondemand, the carbonated water is drawn through the outlet tubes 277 andenters the serpentine coils 285 of the post-chill circuit. Thecarbonated water then enters the post-chill manifold 278 and is thendistributed to the carbonated water riser tubes 279 leading to thedispensing valves 177. From the riser tubes 279, the carbonated waterpasses through the backblocks 176 to the dispensing valves 177 forconsumption.

In this preferred embodiment, the carbonator pump assembly 154 ismounted inside of the dispenser 100 in previously unrecoverable coolingvolume. The mounting location is accessible from the front 105 of thedispenser 100. The carbonator pump assembly 154 includes a pump 170, amotor 171 and a bracket 167. The bracket 167 includes a plurality ofthreaded studs 289, and is connectable to a motor mounting bracket 292.The studs 289 pass through a hole pattern in the motor mounting bracket292 and are secured with a washer 290 and a locknut 291. The bracket 167connects to the dispenser housing 150 with a set of four screws 166.Mounting the carbonator pump assembly 154 inside of the dispenser 100volume minimizes the quantity of hoses that must be plumbed in adispenser installation. With an integral carbonator pump assembly 154,only a single water source line needs to be plumbed for the carbonatedwater circuit 163. Further advantages include the elimination of findingan external power source for a remote carbonator or the necessity to runa power line from a dispenser to a remote carbonator. In the integratedcarbonator 161 scheme, the carbonator pump assembly 154 receives powerdirectly from the dispenser 100.

While this preferred embodiment has been shown with a carbonated circuit163 and an integral carbonator pump assembly 154, it should be clear, toone skilled in the art, that the dispenser 100 may be outfitted todispense uncarbonated drinks or a mixture of both carbonated anduncarbonated. In the case of uncarbonated drinks, the dispenser could beoutfitted with a boost pump. Integration of the boost pump into thedispenser provides cost benefits, as well as installation benefits. Incases where both carbonated and uncarbonated drinks are served, thedispenser may require both a boost pump and a carbonator pump. In caseswhere abnormally low or erratic water pressures exist, the dispenserwill further require a boost pump and/or an accumulator.

Removal of the carbonator pump assembly 154 is accomplished from thefront 105 of the dispenser 100, therein simplifying servicing of thedispenser 100. As shown in FIG. 4 a, removal of the carbonator pumpassembly 154 commences with step 421, disconnecting the electrical powerto the dispenser 100. The next step, step 422 includes removing thesplash plate 152. The service agent must then depressurize thecarbon-dioxide lines as shown in step 423. Next, step 424, thecarbonated water circuit 163 is depressurized. Electrical connectionsmay now be disconnected, step 425. The pump inlet tube 173 may now bedisconnected from the pump inlet 168 and the pump outlet tube 194 maynow be disconnected from the pump outlet 169 as shown in step 426. Instep 427, the four screws 166 holding the carbonator pump assembly 154to the dispenser housing 150 are removed, therein separating thecarbonator pump assembly 154 from the dispenser 100.

At this point, step 428, either the motor 170 or the pump 171 areserviceable. In order to remove the motor 170, the service agentproceeds to step 429, and removes the locknuts 291 and washers 290 fromthe carbonator pump assembly 154. Next, the service agent must loosenthe securing ring 293 as shown in step 430, therein freeing the motor170 from the carbonator pump assembly 154 as shown in step 431. If theservice agent desires to replace the pump 171 after removing thecarbonator pump assembly 154 from the dispenser 100 in step 427, theagent would then proceed to step 441 and loosen the securing ring 293,therein freeing the pump from the assembly as shown in step 442.

The serviced component or new replacement must be mated to the oldassembly, step 432, and the securing ring 293 is tightened as shown instep 433. Step 434 includes installing the serviced carbonator pumpassembly 154 into the dispenser 100 with the four screws 166. The pumpinlet tube 173 and the pump outlet tube 194 are installed in step 435.Electrical connections to the carbonator pump assembly 154 may now bereconnected, step 436. The carbonated water circuit 163 is thenpressurized as shown in step 437, and the carbon-dioxide circuit ispressurized as shown in step 438. The final steps, step 439 and 440,call for reinstalling the splash plate 152 and reconnecting theelectrical power to the dispenser 100, respectively.

The dispenser 100, in this preferred embodiment, uses a touch panelassembly 200 for each valve. In this preferred embodiment, there arefour multi-flavor nozzles and four touch panel assemblies 200. The touchpanel assemblies 200 are removable and are connected to the dispenser100 through two harnesses 210. The harnesses 210 and connectors 215connect the touch panel assembly 200 to an interface panel 220 locatedunderneath a merchandiser 221. The touch panel assembly 200 isrestrained from movement through the use of four fasteners and theworking area of the touch panel assembly 200 is defined by a bezel 205.

The touch panel assembly 200 includes a back panel 301, a valve board311 a light separator/reflector 340, an electrode board 321, a frontpanel 331 and decals 334 as shown in FIG. 6. The back panel 301 is aninjection molded part having a bottom surface 302, snap features 305,screw mounts 304 and four sides 303 producing an enclosure for valveboard 311. The valve board 311 is a printed circuit board 319 outfittedwith a microcontroller 312, sensing chips 313, LEDs 314 and harnessconnectors 315. The light separator/reflector 340 is an injection moldedpiece that fits between the valve board 311 and the electrode board 321.The light separator/reflector 340 is designed to separate the lightstreams from each of the LED 314 groups, and provide definitive linesbetween lit and unlit areas of the user interface 333. Uponinstallation, the valve board 311 is mounted on the interior portion ofback panel 301 with foul screws 316 through mounting holes 317. Harnessconnections 315 for connectors 215 are configured such that they passthrough the bottom surface 302 of back panel 301.

The electrode board 321 is a thin fiberglass board which houses theelectrode traces 323 of the touch panel assembly 200. The front panel331 is an injection-molded part having a user interface panel 333 andsnap features on the outer sides 335. The electrode board 321 mountsnear inner surface 332 of the front panel 331 to ensure close proximityto the user interface panel 333. The electrode board 321 has anelectrical connection 322, which attaches to the valve board connection318 for switch activation signals. Upon assembly, the front panel 331and the electrode board 321 are an integral unit. The electricalconnection 322 must be attached to the valve board connection 318 priorto mating the front half of the unit to the back panel 301 housing thevalve board 311. Once connections have been made, the front panel 331may be snapped onto the open portion of back panel 301 using snapfeatures 305 and 335 to form one touch panel assembly 200. Decals 334must be installed on the touch panel assembly 200 before the bezel 205is installed.

In the assembled form of touch panel assembly 200, LED's 314 located onvalve board 311 are located behind electrode board 321. In thisposition, once powered up, the LEDs 314 are visible from the userinterface 333 side of the touch panel assembly 200. The LED 314 lightpasses through the light separator/reflector 340 and the thin yellowfiberglass electrode board 321, which appears clear during viewing by aconsumer. Other electrode board materials may be used, including clearor translucent mylar, and/or indium-tin oxide (ITO). Fiberglass waschosen for the preferred embodiment because it is readily available,inexpensive, and because it acts as a diffuser, masking the traces. TheLED's 314 provide a low cost, easily available source for valve specificlighting. In operation, the LED's 314 can provide a visual draw to thevalve or dispenser by flashing or turning on and off in a prescribedroutine. Illustratively, the microcontroller 312 may includeinstructions that activate the LED's in at a prescribed time and in aprescribed sequence to attract consumers to the dispenser 100. Furtherdeviations of this attribute may include a proximity sensor to triggerthe activation of a lighting sequence or display, when a field of theproximity sensor is penetrated.

While this preferred embodiment has been shown as a lighted dispenser100, an unlit embodiment may be achieved by not outfitting the dispenserwith LEDs 314, or using an alternate method of mounting a circuit panel335. As shown in FIG. 6 a, a circuit panel 335 may be mounted in anopaque molded plastic housing 336 with a label 334. The alternatearrangement provides a method of minimizing the number of components andmanufacturing costs associated with lighted dispensers.

The assembled touch panel assembly 200 can now be snapped into a bezel205. The addition of the bezel 205 further defines the working area ofthe user interface panel 333. Bezel 205 configurations can vary withchanging products and additives such as flavorings. FIG. 6 b provides asample of bezel 205 configurations for the touch panel assembly 200 fordispenser 100. These examples can support either a 2, 3, or 4 brandswith up to three additional additives.

The touch panel assembly 200 is an independent device capable ofcontrolling solenoids separately or simultaneously. All driving FieldEffect Transistors (FET's) are part of the touch panel assembly 200;therefore the touch panel assembly 200 is controlling the solenoids.FIG. 7 provides a diagram showing connection of the touch panel assembly200 with a bezel 205 to power supply 420 and solenoids 410. Power supply420, in this preferred embodiment, supplies 24 VDC voltage to drive thesolenoids 410, and also, if required, a 16 VDC power supply may beemployed to drive the LED's 314. Multiple touch panels 200 could beoperated through the power supply 420 only if no other control betweentouch panels 200 was desired, such as synchronized lighting, and/orlimiting the number of valves in simultaneous operation to be disclosedin later paragraphs.

Up to nine solenoids 410 can be operated by touch panel assembly 200 ondispenser 100 as follows: 4 brands, 3 bonuses, 1 soda (sparkling water)solenoid 410, and 1 plain water (soft water) solenoid 410. Touch panels200 can operate 6 solenoids 410 simultaneously, including 1 brand, up to3 bonuses, and both the soda and plain water solenoids 410, to yield a“mid-carb” drink. In most cases, however, only one or two bonuses flavorsolenoids 410 would be used with one brand and either one of the watersolenoids 410. Use of this system provides a means for a very simple oneor two nozzle beverage dispensing unit, including up to eight brands and6 bonus flavors, which is powered by a power supply 420. The extra costand complexity of having a multi nozzle controller board is theneliminated.

The dispenser 100 uses touch panel assemblies 200 to sense a touch onthe panel and then to activate product valve solenoids 410 for softdrink dispensing. The touch panel assemblies 200 are approximately 5″×5″in size, and have nine distinct touch areas 501 to allow for independentactivation shown in FIG. 8. The touch areas 501 are defined by theplacement of seven sets of traces 502 on the electrode board 321. Inthis preferred embodiment, there is one sensing chip per trace 502;however, there are chips available that can control multiple traces 502.When activated, the traces 502 produce electrode “sensing” fields 505 asshown in FIG. 8 a. Sensing fields 505 beyond the seven are obtainedthrough overlapping the electrode “sensing” fields 505 as shown in FIG.8 a to produce the eighth and nine electrode “sensing” fields 506 and507 to provide greater flexibility in configuration of the userinterface 333.

The nine distinct touch areas 505, 506, 507 have the flexibility tocontrol 2, 3, or 4 different soda flavors, and three bonus or additiveflavors, such as vanilla, lemon, or cherry as shown in FIG. 8 b. Thelarger touch areas are typically used as soda brand buttons 508, and thesmaller elliptical areas are typically used as bonus or additive flavorand water buttons 509. Various configurations can be obtained byactivating different touch pads. FIG. 8 c shows the user interface inthe fully assembled configuration for the 2, 3, or 4 flavorconfigurations in this preferred embodiment. The touch padconfigurations are not limited to those identified in this disclosure,as the design is flexible and can support different layouts of touchsensor areas and touch pads including those represented in FIG. 9.

In operation, a consumer is able to dispense multiple types of drinksfrom the same touch panel assembly 200, as described in the methodflowchart of FIG. 9 a. In step 2, a consumer desiring to dispense adrink from dispenser 100 must place a cup on a drip tray underneath adesired nozzle. In step 3, the consumer has an option as to his nextstep. If the consumer wishes to have just a brand of soda, he jumps tostep 6, where he pushes and holds the desired brand button 508. Themicrocontroller senses the touch on the touch panels in step 7, andactivates the solenoids for the soda/water and the corresponding brand,step 8. When the consumer is satisfied with the amount of beveragedispensed, he stops pressing the brand touch pad, step 9, and themicrocontroller deactivates the solenoids 410, as shown in step 10. Atwhich point the consumer retrieves his drink, step 11. If the consumerdesires a brand drink with bonus flavor(s), he would depress and releaseup to three of the desired bonus flavor buttons 509, as described instep 4. The microcontroller senses these touches step 5, and waits forthe consumer to press a brand button on the touch panel assembly 200.The consumer then touches and holds the desired brand button 508 on thetouch panel 200, step 6, where the microcontroller senses the touch,step 7, and activates the proper bonus(es), syrup, and soda/watersolenoid, step 8. Once the consumer is satisfied with the amount drinkin his cup, he stops pressing the brand button 508, step 9, where themicrocontroller senses the lack of touch and deactivates the solenoids,step 10. The consumer can now retrieve his drink from the cup rest, step11.

Portion controlled drinks could also be dispensed by using the bonusbuttons 509 as either Cup Size indicators (one button being a “Small”sized drink, another a “Medium” sized drink, and the third as a “Large”sized drink), or as one of the buttons being used as a toggle switchbetween a standard (non-portion controlled, as described in theaforementioned paragraph), small, medium, and large dispense modes. Thebenefit of the latter arrangement would be the ability to still have upto 2 bonus flavors added to a portion controlled drink (one would beused as the portion control switch). Different modes could be indicatedby specific flashing sequences. As an example: no flashes indicates astandard dispense routine, “fast” flashes (on the order of once everyquarter second) could indicate a small dispense routine, “medium”flashes (every half second) could indicate a medium sized dispense, anda slow flash sequence (once every second) could indicate a large sizeddispense. The routines could scroll through each of the modes, so as toreturn to the original routine with enough subsequent toggles.

The dispenser 100 may be set to operate two distinct ways, namely, in an“Active” and a “Passive” mode. In the “Active” mode, the software isable to determine which solenoids are required for certain flavorconfigurations. In this scheme, there is no software change required tochange the flavor configurations, since the software will make theconfiguration change automatically. In the “Passive” mode, the user candefine touch panel assembly 200 configurations, by manually telling thesoftware which are major and minor buttons.

A touch panel assembly 200 has a side “A” 701 and a side “B” 702 asshown in the front view of FIG. 10. Upon installation or when serviced,if reconfiguration is desired, the touch panel assembly 200 must beconfigured to determine whether the side “A” 701 or side “B” 702 of thetouch panel will be used as major brand areas or minor brand areas.Prior to configuration, the operator may prompt the dispenser 100 todisplay the current configuration of the touch pad assemblies 200. LED's314 can indicate the current configuration of the entire dispenser 100by flashing together, as a major, or in sequence, as two minor brands.This feature may be toggled in the menu structure.

In the “Passive” configuration mode, reconfiguration is accomplishedthrough a software routine as described in the method flowcharts ofFIGS. 10 a and 10 b. FIG. 7 a provides the interactive steps involved inusing a menu structure to manually configure the dispenser 100. In thisprocess, a display and a controller board are used to prompt theoperator for selections from a menu display. As shown in step 15, theoperator selects a menu called “NOZZLE CONFIGURATION.” Themicrocontroller then prompts the operator to select a nozzle number fromthe menu in step 16. The operator selects a nozzle number, step 17. Themicrocontroller then prompts the operator to pick either an “A” or a “B”side as shown in step 18. The operator in step 19, then picks either the“A” or “B” side for configuring. In step 20, the microcontroller thenprompts the operator to select a touch area 505, 506, 507 forconfiguring. The operator then picks a touch area 505, 506, 507 forconfiguring, step 21. In step 22, the microcontroller configures theselected touch area 505, 506, 507 and then prompts the operator foradditional touch area 505, 506, 507 configurations, step 23. Ifadditional touch areas 505, 506, 507 on the same touch pad will requireconfiguring, the microcontroller returns to step 20. If no other touchpad changes are required, the microcontroller will move to step 24, andprompt the operator for additional nozzle configuration changes. Ifadditional nozzle changes are required, then the operator will indicate“yes,” and the microcontroller will return to step 16. If no othernozzle needs configuring, the microcontroller will then move to step 25and exit the setup menu.

FIG. 10 b provides a second method for major or minor brandconfiguration. This process begins with a prompt from themicrocontroller for the user to select a side to be configured,specifically, an “A” side 701 or a “B” side 702 as shown in step 52. Instep 53, the user then selects a side of the touch panel assembly 200 tobe configured by touching one of the touch panels on the user interface.Once a side is selected, the microcontroller will prompt for either amajor brand (1) or a minor brand (2) configuration in step 54. Theoperator must now select either a “1” for a major brand or a “2” for aminor brand as disclosed in step 55.

If the operator chooses a major brand, the microcontroller will move tostep 56 and prompt the user for a major brand location. The operatorwill be required to touch the desired touch pad in step 57. At thispoint the microcontroller will be awaiting a touch signal from the padas shown in step 58, or an indication in a MENU. If only touch pad 1 istouched or selected, it will dispense the major brand, steps 59 and 62,upon activation from touch pad 1. If only touch pad 2 is touched as instep 60, then the major brand will be dispensed upon activation fromtouch pad 2. Finally, if the operator touches both touch pad 1 and touchpad 2, then the major brand will be dispensed upon activation of bothtouch pads 1 and 2 as shown in steps 61 and 62.

Similarly, if the operator chooses a minor brand 2 in step 55, themicrocontroller will prompt the operator for a minor brand location asshown in 63. The operator will touch a pad in step 64, and themicrocontroller will be looking for a touch signal from the touch panelassembly 200 in step 65. If only touch pad 1 is touched as in step 66,then the dispenser will dispense the minor brand upon activation fromtouch pad 1 as in step 69. If only touch pad 2 is touched as in step 68,then the minor brand will be dispensed upon activation of touch pad 2 asshown in step 71. Finally, if both touch pads 1 and 2 are touched, thedispenser will dispense nothing as shown in steps 67 and 70.

Further operations required for dispenser configuration include setup ofdecals 334 that reside in the front bezels 205 for both the major andminor brands. Setup of the decals 334 usually takes place afterconfiguration of the touch pad assemblies 200 shown in steps 52 through71 and steps 15 through 25. In step 72 of FIG. 10 b, the front bezel 205must be removed to allow removal of existing decals 334 as shown in step73. If the touch pad assembly 200 is being reconfigured, then existingdecals 334 must be removed. Step 74 provides for installation of newdecals 334 followed by installation of a proper major or minor brandbezel 205. For a minor brand, setup of the decals 334 follows theprocedure as discussed in steps 76-79. After valve configuration, thefront bezel 205 must be removed to access the decal mounting area as instep 76. If the operator is reconfiguring, the existing decals 334 mustbe removed as shown in step 77. With any decals 334 removed, theoperator can now install the minor brand decals 334 discussed in step78. Finally, the operator will be required to install a “two-minorbrand” bezel 205.

FIG. 10 c provides a method flowchart for configuration in the activemode. Once the microcontroller is powered up in step 80, low voltage“sense” signals are sent out for brands 1 and 2 of side A (FIG. 10) asshown in step 81. The low voltage sense signals will not activate thesolenoids 410; they are exclusively for monitoring and configurationpurposes. In step 82, the microcontroller then determines how manysenses were obtained. If no return senses were obtained from side A, themicrocontroller moves on to send sense signals to brands 3 and 4 (sideB) step 85. If one sense is obtained, the touch panel is configured as amajor brand step 83, and the microcontroller will move on to step 85,where it sends a sense signal to brands 3 and 4 (side B). If themicrocontroller receives two sense signals as shown in step 84, thetouch panel will be configured as minor brands, and the microcontrollerwill then proceed to step 85, where the microcontroller will begin tosend sense signals to brands 3 and 4 (side B). In step 86, themicrocontroller evaluates the sense signal responses to determine how toconfigure the touch panel assemblies 200. If only one sense signal isreceived, side B is configured as a major brand as shown in step 87 andmoves to step 89. If two sense signals are received, the microcontrollerconfigures side B as minor brands in step 88 and then moves to step 89.If no sense signals are received in step 86, the microcontroller movesto step 89 where it determines if both brands 1 and 2 (side A) andbrands 3 and 4 (side B) received a zero reading in response to the sensesignal output. If neither brands 1 and 2 (side A), nor brands 3 and 4(side B) received a reading, the valve will be configured as uninstalledin step 90, and will then move on to the next valve in step 92. If atleast one signal was received in step 89, a “NO” answer to “NEITHERRECEIVED?” the microcontroller proceeds to step 91. If both signals arereceived, the microcontroller moves to the next valve in step 92. If oneof the two signals was NOT received in step 91, then there must be asolenoid disconnected, or one of the wires broken, resulting in a“SOLENOID ERROR” message being displayed step 93. The microcontrollerwould then go to step 92, and proceed to the next valve.

Regardless of the method used for configuring, the operator will berequired to setup the decals for the dispenser 100 after the touch areashave been configured. This setup process is the same as for passiveconfiguration of the dispenser 100. In step 40 of FIG. 10 b, the frontbezel 205 must be removed to allow removal of existing decals 334 asshown in step 41. If the touch panel assembly 200 is being reconfigured,then existing decals 334 must be removed. Step 42 provides forinstallation of new decals 334 followed by installation of a propermajor or minor brand bezel 205 as shown in step 43. For a minor brand,setup of the decals 334 follows the procedure as discussed in steps44-47. After valve configuration, the front bezel 205 must be removed toaccess the decal mounting area as in step 44. If the operator isreconfiguring, the existing decals 334 must be removed as shown in step45. With any decals 334 removed, the operator can now install the minorbrand decals 334 discussed in step 46. Finally, the operator will berequired to install a “two-minor brand” bezel 205 as discussed in step47.

Another embodiment of this invention may include a multiple touchpanel-single controller 800 setup as shown in FIG. 11. In this scenario,a multi-panel controller 801 is connectable to a power supply 420 andmultiple touch panel assemblies 200. The touch panel assemblies 200, inturn, are connected to multiple solenoids 410 to provide a unifieddispensing arrangement. With this type of arrangement, the multi-panelcontroller 801 is able to oversee and regulate the operations of thetouch panel assemblies 200 to optimize the dispensing functions or otheroperations including valve specific or dispenser 100 wide lightingroutines. The multi-panel controller 801, typically, limits the numberof simultaneous dispenses to two, in order to assure adequate cold plateperformance. The multi-panel controller 801 may also control dispenser100 specific operations including ice management, carbonator probedetection, and ice agitation.

Due to the modularity of the foregoing system, dispensers 100 may be assimple as a power supply 420 coupled with a touch pad assembly 200 tocontrol a single nozzle tower dispenser. When utilizing the multipletouch panel-single controller 800 scheme, the electronic setup allowsthe same multi-panel controller 801 to be used, as well as the sametouch panel assemblies 200 in varying quantities, four for up to a 16flavor dispenser, five for an up to twenty flavor dispenser, and so on.Further benefits of the modularity include the reduction of hardwareassociated with the dispensing nozzles. In a modular setup, the samecomponents can be used repeatedly, thereby reducing overhead andinventory in the production environment.

Although the present invention has been described in terms of theforegoing preferred embodiment, such description has been for exemplarypurposes only and, as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in theart, many alternatives, equivalents, and variations of varying degreeswill fall within the scope of the present invention. That scope,accordingly, is not to be limited in any respect by the foregoingdetailed description; rather, it is defined only by the claims thatfollow.

1-61. (canceled)
 62. A method for controlling a water level in acarbonator, comprising: a. sampling a resistive measurement between aprobe and a probe body at a predetermined interval; b. determiningwhether the sample is representative of a gas reading or a liquidreading; and c. powering a pump motor for a predetermined interval torefill the carbonator when a sample is representative of a gas reading.63. The method of claim 62, further comprising: d. repeating steps a.-c.64. The method of claim 62, wherein the samples are compared to aregistry of values.
 65. The method of claim 62, wherein the carbonatorrefills alter three successive gas readings, and resets the count aftera liquid reading. 66-69. (canceled)